'I think I deserve a 2023 bike' - Alex Rins 'has options'

The LCR link emerged after previous gossip connected Rins with RNF Aprilia and Gresini Ducati.

“I really appreciate the teams, the manufacturers that came to me because sincerely it was not easy,” said Rins, who admitted he was left in tears when given the shock news that Suzuki would be quitting MotoGP,

“I'm quite comfortable, because we have a couple of options. Still, I didn't decide yet. But let's see if we can say something as soon as possible.”

Careful not to name any of the teams, Rins, who has taken Suzuki’s only podiums of the season so far, made clear that a 2023-bike would be hard to turn down.

That could well point towards LCR, with Gresini currently running year-old Ducati machinery and RNF expected to be on 2022-spec Aprilias.

“I'm interested in all the options, this is for sure,” said Rins, whose three race victories on the GSX-RR is more than any other rider.

“I don't know if this will sound a little bit selfish, but I think I deserve a 2023 bike. Because we worked really, really hard.

“So there are options that they can provide me with a 2023 bike, but there are also options that without providing me with a 2023 bike are quite interesting. Quite nice.

“So let’s decide, it’s not easy… I don't like to say no to a team that is interested in me. So we are analysing well the situation.”

Should Rins move to LCR, it is likely to mean that Honda will pick up both Suzuki riders, with current team-mate and 2020 world champion Joan Mir hotly tipped to join Repsol Honda.

Meanwhile, after pulling out of Sachsenring due to pain from his fractured wrist, Rins will attempt a return at Assen on Friday morning.

“For sure I will feel pain from the hand, but let’s grit the teeth and make a good race,” he said.

Rins and Mir are currently tied on points for eighth in the world championship.